City of Angels

Starring: Nicholas Cage, Meg Ryan, Dennis Frantz, Andre Braugher, Colm Feore
Directed by: Brad Silberling
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance
1998

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: An angel (Nicholas Cage) falls in love with a beautiful doctor (Meg Ryan) and contemplates giving up his immortality to be with her. This move may have unexpected consequences, however.

Review:

Tim: I really, really like this movie. The story of an immortal angel falling in love with a mortal woman is an incredibly beautiful, emotional, heartfelt film. Romantic films are so often carbon copies, all so similar. This one is very, very different, and that is refreshing.

Nicholas Cage is very good as Seth, an angel. This was an odd role, because he needed to come across as sympathetic and likeable, while being incredibly reserved. He pulls it off brilliantly. Meg Ryan is very good as well. She's done so many romantic films and lately, it seems like we've lost interest in these performances. This one definitely stands out as one of the best in her career. It plays to her strengths while offering some meat to the role. Cage and Ryan interact so incredibly well together. They have loads and loads of chemistry, and just shine together. Chemistry was so important for this film to be successful, and the two leads have more chemistry than I have seen in years. The cast is very well rounded out by Dennis Frantz and Andre Braugher.

I like this movie because it is incredibly dramatic without being overly dramatic. The point where Cage is confronted with a choice- his immortality or the woman he loves- is as difficult and dramatic as they come. The whole movie is just such a heartbreaking, beautiful film. It is so lovely and so sad, and so romantic that I can't believe anyone wouldn't be impressed with this. Director Brad Silberling gives us a film that takes it time, building up slowly to its incredible conclusion. The film never feels rushed, instead moving in a leisurely pace, as if taking deep, rhythmic breaths. This whole movie is like a deep breath in a sea of foul smelling crap whcih so often blows out of Hollywood.

City of Angels is such a beautiful, romantic, emotional film that is incredibly well made. This is one of my favorite romantic dramas, and a truly excellent movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



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